Bios Updates

[daniela]

Alrighty, I need to update my Bios, I have a Phoenix Techonologies LTD 6.00PG Abit IG-80, date: 18/08/04

I think I've found the appropriate Bios file which was on abit.com, the bios file I downloaded was called ig8017.exe.  Can you tell me if this is correct?

Also it says I need the "Flash Utility" but I don't know which one to download!!

If you go to this page: http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/uk/download/download_bios_detail.php?pFILE_TYPE=Bios&pMAIN_TYPE=Motherboard&pTITLE_ON_SCREEN=IG-80&pSOCKET_TYPE=LGA775

and then this page:

http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/uk/download/download_detail.php?pFILE_TYPE=Utility&pMAIN_TYPE=Others&pTITLE_ON_SCREEN=Award+Flash+Utility

you'll see what I'm on about.

And also can you tell me if I'll lose all my stuff on the hard disk if I do this? I have 2 hard disks so could I put my stuff on the hard disk that doesn't have the OS on, or will I lose everything on both hard disks?

Sorry if this is confusing but I have to be totally sure of everything before I do this thing!

Thanks xxx

[Ralph]

According to this ABIT page, you only need the Flash Utility if you have an old board or don't have the logo shown on that page. Follow the instructions on this page, though I'm sure that you've read it already. I'm not sure you need to clear the CMOS data after flashing the BIOS, but if that's what they say, then I'd probably believe them.

It would be prudent to back up your important stuff onto your second disk. If you're really worried, it'd do no harm to unplug the data cable out of the back of it while you're doing the BOIS.

When you reboot after doing the BIOS, it'll be like you've just installed a new motherboard. Windows will start detecting loads of "new" devices and might start looking for drivers for them so maybe have the CD around. You can get them off the web later if you don't have the CD. It might look a bit scary when it's going on, but everything will be fine!

[dodgyshirt]

You appear to have a fairly modern motherboard, why do you need to update the BIOS in particular, bearing in mind that the majority of motherboard problems are caused by incorrect flash updating.

Unless you are having problems with the board which you KNOW can only be rectified by a BIOS update leave well alone, its not a task to be undertaken by the faint-hearted or inexperienced.

[daniela]

I think I need to do it because every so often a blue screen comes up and says something about the Bios, so I'm guessin it's something to do with that! It's really annoying, it comes up while I'm doin something and I have to reboot the system! Then when windows loads a message comes up saying "windows recovered from a serious error", sounds severe!

[dodgyshirt]

Don't worry too much about the Windows message as such, they do tend to exaggerate the problem. However you do seem to have a Bios-related problem and without knowing the exact content of the message it is difficult to advise on.

It could be that the CMOS settings have been altered in some way or the CMOS battery needs replacing which is a very simple 5minute task.Corrupted settings can even make the processor run improperly.

Unless you have made a hardware alteration or addition to the PC, it will not require a BIOS upgrade if it was running OK previously.

I stick to my previous advice about not flashing the BIOS unless you really need to, unless it is done properly it can total your motherboard.

The next time the fault occurs, make a note of the exact mesage and post it here.